Custom Center Console help

[Cokeacolasucks]

first off, i'm not new to computers, but i am to forums.

OK, this is what i want to do - replace my stock center console with something more useful. I mean, i have 3 cup holders, which all are pretty much useless. that's about it.

another thread has a picture of what my console looks like: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117748

I have a 99' sport, manual, v6 OHV

I have done little body work, like working with bondo and fiberglass. I consider myself a quick learner and willing to try just about any cost-effective method to make a beter console. also, ebay has yet to turn up a console i like so far.

what i don't like about my current console:
1. cupholder next to gearshifter is too large to accomodate most cups. and the dash is a few inches away, so it doesn't accomodate the tall cups that have that large of a base.
2. the cup holder right under the gear shifter in the center console is perfect size. but any medium Taco Bell or Sonic's cup doesn't allow me to shift into 4th...
3. the 3rd cup holder above #2 is at an ample location, but it has too wide of a base to handle any standard size cups. i don't even think 20 oz bottle fit in it.

i would like to find something that would form into my dash (i don't use the ashtray) so ashtray to my armrest, i'm looking for a replacement (keeping in mind that i do have a manual tranny). New, used, custom, it doesn't matter. and i'm not a fan of the ply-wood look...

thanks in advance for any suggestions

 

[briwayjones]

The consoles in the '94 explorers with a manual might work better. Instead of one holder right under the shifter it has two there side by side. The only thing is a tall cups would probably be in the way of 2nd gear and reverse.

 

[Cokeacolasucks]

'94? or '04?

my mom had a '91 XLT manual and it had 1 cupholder. i've seen pictures of newer explorers with the 2 side-by-side cupholders. I do like that design, but part of me wants a more "flowing" console from front to back.

 

[briwayjones]

'94 not '04.

Here's one I found that looks interesting. It doesn't give any details though.

http://www.timeplus.com.au/shop/Shop/Consoles/Ford/ExplorerFloor

 

[Cokeacolasucks]

woah! that's pretty much exactly what i'm looking for! but no price....

 

[danlong]

Did you notice that the Explorer in the pic is right wheel drive? Chances are shipping will kill you, not to mention the fact that it looks pretty pricey to begin with.

Your best bet is to go to a junk yard and get a full length console from a 95 or later Explorer. You can take out the junk pocket in the front panel, your shifter will fit through perfectly, then you just make a boot to cover up the opening. There were 2 different designs of the cupholders on these consoles, one has a staggered setup, the other is side by side. I've had both in my old 5 spd Ranger, but I can't honestly remember which I liked better. Either way, that would be a good start for a custom setup, just cust out the drinkholder section and mold in a single large cupholder that sits deeper.

 

[jayhawk137]

i really like that no priced one too. it looks real clean and flowy, if you find out a price let me know?

 

[Cokeacolasucks]

i just sent an email to that company/website. i hope to hear something tommmorrow. if i don't by tommorrow i'll have to post an update on sunday (going to Cherokee for the casino over the weekend!) lol

if i wanted to physically handcraft a new console, what would prob be my best bet for materials used?

 

[expo5.0]

i made a console of fiberglass

 

[Cokeacolasucks]

! i'm assuming you just "free handed" the whole thing? or did you build a simple box and covered with fiberglass? will the fiberglass scratch or dull with change/cups/normal wear and tear?

 

[Cokeacolasucks]

well i still haven't heard back from the timeplus.com.au website. i have a feeling they're not going to respond....

 

[jayhawk137]

i emailed them too, and no response,

damn australians

 

[Cokeacolasucks]

sorry this thread got old and that i've been away for so long - I moved to a new house. But: I went to a local custom car shop nearby called Wild Willies http://www.wildwilliesfx.com and asked them about any aftermarket consoles. Their reply: stock console is all that available. But I refuse to give up. It seems that my only option may be to just buy some fiberglass 'stuff' and experiment. Any new ideas?

 

[davesexplorer]

experiment, expo made his by hand as he's pretty amazing with the f/glass. I hope to delve into it when it warms up here.

 

[jeff96]

custom car shop that says only oem! boo on them

 

[Aquafire]

Custom Console

I came across your thread while looking for tips on my current project...
I'm building a new custom console for my '04 XLT. My plans are to incorporate a few gauges (preferably digital- but they're harder to find and more $) as well as a scanner, MP3 player, CD changer and laptop mount (cupholders are why God gave us thighs).

I built a wooden console for my '92 XLT, which had a CB, lots of storage space for maps and 4 lighted switches for my accessories and looked really nice too.

My current project is well under way. This time i'm avoiding the sanding and screwing and making it from welded sheet metal.

I'm not a fabricator by any stretch of the word, but I do have all the tools and occasionally can figure out how to use them.

If anyone's interested, I can add some more details. Or, if anyone has built their own before, i'd love to hear about it.

 

[Cokeacolasucks]

Hrm, i all but abandoned my own thread....

Well tonight i finished the dog pen, so now Brad's evicted out of the garage I can now work on my truck and motorcycle w/o the dog eating at what i'm in the middle of... I plan to fix my motorcycle first (long story..) then do a few tweaks to my explorer, like relocating my amp's to behind a quarter panel, then on to this freggin' console... (i need the bike as my alt. transportation when i drag the amp reloacting out for 3-4 days and the console project for most of summer.... )

I think i may just see if i can remove my console, take some measurements, then just start tinkering... fiberglass, wood, epoxy, bondo.... who knows what i'll try